WV House appoints new education chairman

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia House of Delegates education committee has a new chairman after its previous leader stepped down because he was having an affair with an intern.

News outlets report Monday that Republican Del. Paul Espinosa will be chairing the committee on an interim basis during an upcoming special legislative session on education.

Espinosa is the House majority whip. He previously chaired the education committee.

The president of the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers union issued a statement saying they look forward to working with Espinosa to pass legislation that ensures high-quality public education in the state.

Former education committee chairman Del. Danny Hamrick last week said he was asked to step down because he was having a relationship with a female intern. Hamrick is married.